'Too close to home' say neighbours as Milton Keynes resident self-isolates for coronavirus

The person has taped up the windows of their property in Selkirk Grove and pinned up notices to explain they are in isolation.

It is believed they have recently returned from one of the countries suffering a coronavirus outbreak.

"It's a bit close to home and scary to see the notices and taped up windows, but it's good that the person is being sensible and following government advice," said one neighbour.

The Foreign Office advises people to self-isolate if they have visited any of the certain destinations in the last 14 days and are experiencing cough, fever or shortness of breath.

The places are mainland China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Macau.

People who have recently travelled from lockdown areas in northern Italy are also advised to self-isolate, as are travellers who have visited Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Vietnam since February 19.

The advice for self isolation is to stay at home and avoid visitors and contact with other people. Friends or family members should be asked to carry our errands, such as getting groceries, medications or other shopping.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is today due to outline how the UK will tackle coronavirus as fears grow that it will spread rapidly in the UK over the next few days and weeks.

So far, 40 people have tested positive, but officials are warning that it could peak in the UK.

The PM's plan is expected to include advice to discourage UK residents from unnecessary travel.

People could even be told to work from home where possible, and retired doctors and nurses may be urged to return to work to help with the deluge of extra patients an outbreak of the virus would bring.

A ‘war room’ for experts could be set up to co-ordinate a public information campaign.